Hugh Bonneville’s new flame Claire Rankin reportedly liked 25 of his Instagram photos a whopping five years before he split from wife Lulu Williams.
The Downton Abbey star, 60, who parted from his wife of 25-years last September, was spotted for the first time with Canadian actress Claire 53, earlier this week after they were said to have enjoyed a string of dates.
But now according to The Sun Claire had been pouring over a string of the actor’s photos long before his split.
The publication reports that she began liking the snaps shortly after her ex-husband and Hugh’s former co-star Josh Randall wed The Inbetweeners star Kacey Clarke in 2018.
Claire, who divorced the actor in 2011 after 11-years of marriage, is said to have given the thumbs up to photos of Hugh as he rehearsed play 2019 Shadowlands as well as his TV appearance alongside Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy at the 2023 King’s Coronation.
Hugh Bonneville ‘s new flame Claire Rankin reportedly liked 25 of his Instagram photos a whopping five years before he split from wife Lulu Williams (Claire and Hugh pictured earlier this week)
The Downton Abbey star parted from his wife of 25-years last September (pictured together in 2022)
She also liked 19 of Hugh’s online posts in 2019 alone.
have contacted Hugh and Claire’s reps for comment.
When they were spotted together this week an onlooker said the new couple ‘looked happy together’ while linking arms as they departed a luxury restaurant.
Hugh recently delivered a reading to the young winners of a BBC writing competition with Claire in the audience.
On Wednesday, they were said to have enjoyed dinner with Hugh’s Downton co-star Michelle Dockery.
On Friday, Claire shared a photo taken at the airport as she prepared to return to Canada.
The actress, from Prince Edward Island, began acting in Shakespeare plays in the 90s and appeared on shows including Ally McBeal, Without A Trace and House.
has contacted representatives of Hugh Bonneville for comment.
The pair were spotted for the first time with Canadian actress Claire earlier this week after they were said to have enjoyed a string of dates
Claireis said to have given the thumbs up to photos of Hugh as he rehearsed play Shadowlands as well as his TV appearance alongside Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy at the 2023 King’s Coronation
According reports that she began liking the snaps shortly after her ex-husband and Hugh’s former co-star Josh Randall (pictured together) wed The Inbetweeners star Kacey Clarke in 2018
Josh and Hugh appeared together in US sitcom Courting Alex nearly 20 years ago
A spokesperson for Hugh confirmed in September that he and his ex Lulu, who lived together for 25 years at their home in West Sussex, ended their marriage.
However, it seems the split has not been smooth sailing, with a source revealing: ‘It is clear that Lulu feels as if 20-odd years of marriage counts for nothing.’
Lulu often accompanied her husband to premieres and film sets and her recent absence sparked rumours the pair were having troubles.
The actor, famous for his role as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, had never shied away from expressing his love for Lulu, having previously called her his ‘bedrock’ and ‘anchor’ and crediting his wife for being the backbone of their household.
A source told The Sun: ‘Hugh has been away from home filming a lot this year. He has lost a bit of weight this summer, he was looking trim, tanned and relaxed.’
Hugh recently delivered a reading to the young winners of a BBC writing competition with Claire in the audience
A spokesperson for Hugh confirmed in September that he and his ex Lulu, who lived together for 25 years at their home in West Sussex, ended their marriage (pictured together in 2017)
The heartbreak came just five years after the couple renewed their vows at Graceland chapel in Las Vegas.
In previous interviews Bonneville claimed he was ‘completely indebted’ to his wife for the way she supported him throughout his career while looking after their son Felix, 20, who himself has enjoyed success on the screen.
‘Lulu’s priority has been to be a bedrock for Felix and me and I’m completely indebted to her,’ he said.